Page 85 of Finding Redemption

“Why, thank you.” We walk down the stairs slowly.

“This isn’t permanent.” He waves his hand at the building.

“No? I like it. I was quite surprised how you have it set up.”

“I wanted to be away from everyone for a while and this fit the bill.” He shrugs, unlocking the door for us to get out.

“But we’re all done with self-imposed shit, right?”

He spins me, pinning me against my Jeep. “I’m not sure. A self-imposed sex weekend locked away from everyone might be what the doctor ordered.”

“In that case, I offer my body up in the name of science and research. Do with me what you will.”

He takes my hands, locking them behind me in one of his. “I promise you, I will have you.” He brushes my hair to the side, wrapping his hand around the nape of my neck. After a slight hesitation, he takes my mouth with no more force than that of a whisper.

His lips soft and yielding, yet another aspect of this man I’m falling hard and fast for. Walker’s lips sweep across mine with care, tender and sweet. Everything I knew he could be. My face flushes. I swear I can feel my heartbeat in my ears.

I lay my head on his chest, praying I don’t hit the ground. “You’re so unexpected.”

He rubs my back, sending goosebumps spiraling over my body. “I’d follow you anywhere, Reese.” A car pulls in and I’m overcome with embarrassment. Hauling him into me, I bury my face into his chest. “Good morning, Donna.” Walker’s voice is low, like a growl.

“Good morning, Walker. Miss Morgan.” I’m stunned but find my manners. I lift my head as she hurries past.

“Hello, Donna. It’s good to meet you.” I offer her my hand to Walker’s approval. He likes her. His face lights up when she takes my hand.

“Wonderful to finally meet you. Walker talks about you fondly.”

I can’t stop myself. “Ha! I knew it.” I jump from excitement.

“Excuse me?” Donna frowns.

“He acts like he doesn’t like me. I knew better.”

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, you need to get home.” Walker steps away, grabbing my door handle.

“See you later, Donna.” I wave and step into my car.

“Be careful and text me when you get there.” He kisses me. “And at lunch.” He kisses me again. “And on breaks.” He kisses me for the last time.

“I will. Bye, Walker.” He shuts my door and I switch on the ignition.

I pull away, turning onto Highway Seventeen with Walker in my mirror. “No way in hell is this my real life.” I plug my dead phone in at the first stop light. At the first sign of life, it buzzes with a hundred incoming texts. I glance at the next light, cringing when I see who it is.

“Shit! Alden.”

I park in my usual spot to be met at my door by Alden. “Where in the hell have you been?”

“Sorry, Walker’s. My phone died and we fell asleep.”

“Young lady, did you sleep with that man?” He winks at me as I hurry through the door, tossing things everywhere.”

“I did!” I yell from the bathroom. “But we didn’t have sex. We cuddled.”

“No fucking way?” Alden shouts through the door.

“He carried me to bed after I fell asleep on his couch. I woke up, draped in gorgeous man.”

“And he didn’t try anything?” he says loudly.